Why do chameleons change color?
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They use this ability both for camouflage and communication.
When they’re out hunting they’ll approximate the color of their surroundings so that prey can’t see them and predators can’t hunt them. They’re not particularly fast or strong so they must rely on exceptional stealth.
When they come across another chameleon they change color to better reflect their mood – are they feeling territorial right now? Lonely? Social? Ready to make some babies?
They don’t really vocalize or make faces like mammals do, so they change color and use body posture instead to convey this information.
They use this ability both for camouflage and communication.
When they’re out hunting they’ll approximate the color of their surroundings so that prey can’t see them and predators can’t hunt them. They’re not particularly fast or strong so they must rely on exceptional stealth.
When they come across another chameleon they change color to better reflect their mood – are they feeling territorial right now? Lonely? Social? Ready to make some babies?
They don’t really vocalize or make faces like mammals do, so they change color and use body posture instead to convey this information.
We used to think they did this to hide in the environment.
But they usually don’t. They change color to warm up or cool down, and to express themselves. When they want to hide, they just go find some green plants and hide in those with their normal colors.
We used to think they did this to hide in the environment.
But they usually don’t. They change color to warm up or cool down, and to express themselves. When they want to hide, they just go find some green plants and hide in those with their normal colors.
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